How to Make Your Own Spice

The atrocity of the condition of store bought spices far outweighs the conveniences of them. Not only do they contain a plethora of unhealthy ingredients, but chances are that they’re sitting on the shelf of the store stale and outdated. In short this means that you’re never getting the freshness that your taste buds desire from your store bought variety spices. Don’t worry though, there’s an easy solution. Get whole spices and grind them yourself!

 

Did you know that the American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) doesn’t require the removal of natural defects in ground spices? That includes:

  • Wire
  • Strings
  • Mold
  • Dead Insects
  • Rat Hair
  • Excrement

The beauty of buying whole spices and grinding them yourself is that you always know what you are getting. There are no unhealthy additives such as rice, flour, or salt to worry about. Home ground spices are also guaranteed to be contaminant free, making for a much healthier alternative.

There are few places you can get quality whole spices, but the search is worth the reward. Check out your local spice merchant, or ethnic markets in your area to find the freshest whole spices available. These spices will have a robust scent, unlike the bland ground spices that are most likely currently occupying your spice cabinet. Tip: Be sure to steer clear of gourmet spice shops as they are probably overcharging for the same stale spices as you can find at the grocery store.

When you buy whole spices remember to buy them sparingly because once you start using the freshest possible ingredients in your cooking you won’t want to have to resort back to stale spices. If you want the freshest herbs and spices available, you’ll want to think about growing them yourself, so that if the potency never has time to ‘die’.  Tip: Be sure to only grind as much of your whole spices as you need at a time, as whole spices will remain fresher, for a longer period of time than ground spices will.

spiceblends

One of the main reasons that people buy store bought spices is to get a unique flavor from the spice blends that are manufactured and prepackaged by spice companies for easy at-home cooking. What they don’t want you to know is that not only is it just as easy to create your own spice blends but your homemade blends will be fresher and last longer than their cheap imitations products. Here are five fun and easy spice blend combinations to use, instead of using the flavorless store bought variety, the next time you cook. Tip: Be sure to use your own home ground spices in these spice blend recipes for unparalleled freshness.

Cajun Seasoning (Spice Blend)
(Makes 2 Servings)

  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 tablespoons ground cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

In a small bowl mix ingredients together and store in a dry sealable container.

Chicken Seasoning (Spice Blend)
(Makes 2 Servings)

  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ⅓ teaspoon dried basil
  • ⅓ teaspoon crushed dried rosemary
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground dried thyme
  • ⅛ teaspoon celery seed
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

In a small bowl mix ingredients together and store in a dry sealable container.

All-Purpose Seasoning (Spice Blend)
(Makes 2 Servings)

  • 2 tablespoons
  • 2 teaspoons ground pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ⅓ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

In a small bowl mix ingredients together and store in a dry sealable container.

Taco Seasoning (Spice Blend)
(Makes 2 Servings)

  • ⅓ teaspoon chili powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ⅛ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅓ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

In a small bowl mix ingredients together and store in a dry sealable container.

Seafood Seasoning (Spice Blend)
(Makes 2 Servings)

  • ¼ tablespoon black pepper
  • ¼ tablespoon dry mustard
  • ½ tablespoon celery salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground bay leaves
  • ⅓ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

In a small bowl mix ingredients together and store in a dry sealable container.

colored meal prep containers

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